The Olympics might be lighting up Paris, but the real game is coming this winter. That’s right — Squid Game Season 2 will premiere on Dec. 26, bringing fans back into the twisted competition at the center of the series.  Director Hwang Dong-hyuk is thrilled about what’s in store. “I do have a lot on my shoulders, but I’ll make sure it’s worth the wait,” Hwang told Netflix in 2023.

Squid Game Season 1 introduced fans to the K-drama’s titular deadly game, which forces citizens to gamble with their lives. In return, they may win a world-changing cash prize — or suffer the dire consequences. Down on his luck Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) is Squid Game’s protagonist, and Season 2 will pick up after Gi-hun’s jaw-dropping decisions in the Season 1 finale.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk

“The cast and the crew are truly pouring their hearts and souls into filming the second season,” executive producer Kim Ji-yeon told Netflix in December. “I hope you stay tuned and root for us!”

As you prepare to get into the upcoming game, keep reading to learn everything you want to know about Season 2 — including details about the future of Squid Game.

When does Squid Game Season 2 Premiere?

The new season will launch Dec. 26.

JUHAN NOH/NETFLIX

What is Squid Game Season 2 about?

“Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 gave up going to the States and comes back with a new resolution in his mind,” reads the official Season 2 synopsis. “Gi-hun once again dives into the mysterious survival game, starting another life-or-death game with new participants gathered to win the prize of 45.6 billion won.”

Who’s in the Squid Game Season 2 cast?

It’s confirmed that some familiar faces will return to the Squid Game cast, including Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo. Impeccable newcomers Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Jo Yu-ri, and Won Ji-an will all appear in Squid Game Season 2 as an ensemble of colorful new characters.

Who makes Squid Game Season 2?

Emmy winner Hwang serves as writer, director, and executive producer. He made history at the 74th Primetime Emmys as the first Asian director to ever win the award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. In a letter to fans in June 2022 (seen above), he teased what viewers could expect from Season 2. The series is produced by Firstman Studio; Kim is the CEO of Firstman Studio and an executive producer. “There’s definitely a lot of pressure on how to make [Season 2] even better,” Kim told Tudum in 2022. “I know that a lot of the different fans and audiences have enjoyed the series very much, but, really, we’re focusing on how to make it even more joyful to the global audience.”

Chae Kyoung-sun is Squid Game’s production designer. “I still can’t believe I’ve won a Primetime Emmy. I’m just exhilarated to once again be part of Squid Game,” she told Netflix, looking ahead to Season 2.

Are there any Squid Game Season 2 photos?

Yes, there are. In 2023, the team released photos of the cast gathering for the first table read of Season 2. Now, the first photos of Season 2 have just arrived, and you can sneak a peek at them below.  You can see the much-anticipated return of Gi-hun,  Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), and Recruiter (Gong Yoo), and get your first look at a new character played by Park Gyu-young.

JUHAN NOH/NETFLIX

JUHAN NOH/NETFLIX

JUHAN NOH/NETFLIX

JUHAN NOH/NETFLIX

Can I watch a new Squid Game Season 2 teaser?

Yes, you can! See Gi-hun suit back up Player 456 in a new teaser below.

[trumpet fanfare playing]

Where does Squid Game Season 2 film?

The thriller’s main set is located in South Korea.

Is Squid Game coming back after Season 2?

Hold onto your jumpsuit — more Squid Game is on the way. Director Hwang confirms Season 3 is coming in 2025, and it will be the series’ last one. For more information on Squid Game’s goodbye season, visit here for updates.

Meanwhile, watch Squid Game Season 1, now streaming on Netflix.